WSJ: Apple's search for retail chief going slowly

Sources tell the WSJ Apple (AAPL) has interviewed several candidates to be the company's next retail chief, but "has yet to settle on a final list."

One recruiter claims potential candidates are wary of taking the job because Apple hasn't been clear about its goals.

Apple has been without a retail head since John Browett was shown the door last October, leaving Tim Cook in charge of retail on an interim basis. Also, division VP Jerry McDougal left in January.

Apple's retail sales were roughly flat Y/Y in FQ3 at $4.07B. The company's total revenue rose 1% to $35.3B. Apple's retail sales per sq. foot, while still the envy of many high-end retailers, is down 4.5% Y/Y thus far in FY13 to $4,542, per consulting firm Customer Growth Partners.